What is physical activity, and how do “physical activity,””exercise,” and “physical fitness” differ?
Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure. Exercise is structured activity and tends to have fitness as its goal. Physical fitness is something you acquire–a characteristic or an attribute one can achieve by being physically active. We now know that all types of physical activity can produce significant health benefits. One does not have to achieve a high fitness level to achieve health benefits. Therefore, the focus of this manual is on physical activity and how to promote it through the community. What is the connection between physical activity and CVD? Regular physical activity or cardiorespiratory fitness decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality in general and of coronary heart disease mortality in particular. Existing data are not conclusive regarding a relationship between physical activity and stroke. The extent of decreased risk of coronary heart disease attributable to regular physical activity is s
